frankykeno- thank you so much for your reply, you have made me a lot more aware to things that I didn't know and I have adjusted slightly. I'll tell you what I've done and answers to your questions.

As to your question about the hides and it being too open on both ends...as you can see theyre right up against the glass, so it makes as if its closed in on that end. I did a slight modification just now, where I put some folded up, black garbage bag on the side w/o the background. Now both hides appear as if they are completely closed off and more secure.

Thanks for recommending that thermometer, liek I said, I'll be going out in a few days to buy one. So, I'll know for sure if temps/humidity are the problems.

As for the tank being in a busy spot....it's in my basement. There's barely anyone down here except for me. I do play loud music all the time though (not blasting) but ya know...Also, the tank is in a spot where the snake can't easily see me. So it's almost always alone.

As for the petstore possibly lying to me....that could really be a possibility. BUT the thing is, I also got my bearded dragon from a pet store, which all the forums advised against (I always read these things, AFTER I get the animal...sigh) Anyway, she turned out to be in excellent condition and is a very healthy 11 month old lizard with a very nice weight and size to her. So, my point is, this snake may turn out to be the same way...and I have feeling it is healthy just be the behaviours it is exhibiting. I have a rough idea on how reptiles act when they are sick now, so I have at least some idea on what to look for, even if they are completely different species.

Well that's it for now...what do you all think? Oh and I'll remove the carpet again too. As for the mice, the live one I'm trying to feed is an adult mouse.